What’s New in FIRST 7.0

From its beginning in 1997, Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (FIRST) was presented as a living document.

In conjunction with the Flexo Quality Consortium (FQC), FIRST would evolve over time and expand as print segments changed and flexographic print capabilities improved. FIRST would adapt to the ever-increasing demands of design departments and of print production.

  • The fourth edition of FIRST took on the title FIRST 4.0 to signify that FIRST would have “versions,” much like software
  • The latest version, FIRST 7.0, contains numerous modifications which will be introduced at FTA’s upcoming Fall Conference 2022 next month

Here is a rundown of modifications you will find in the new document.

No Redundancy

FIRST 7.0 has been completely reformatted to make it easier than ever to access content related to production-specific topics. The most significant change is the addition of a new section titled Measurement & Verification. Past versions contained four major sections: Communications & Implementation, Design, Prepress and Press.

It is the goal of the Measurement & Verification section to reduce redundancy and provide easy access to processes, tools and procedures that have applicability throughout the entire flexographic reproduction process. There were certain elements of each section that were obviously redundant, the most notable of which were Bar Codes. Each section contained specific information on bar codes; some repeated from other sections, some specific to that section.

It makes sense that all bar code information should be in one place, not scattered throughout the book. An entirely new expanded bar code section was written (much by Jay Sperry of Digimarc) and it is the first chapter of Measurement & Verification.

Other elements and sections were rewritten and moved from both Prepress and Print. These include Print Characteristics of both line and process colors, process control test elements and measurement tools. Chapter 23 of Print (Inkroom Procedures and Testing) was updated by Dr. Danny Rich and moved to Measurement & Verification. Dr. Sam Ingram wrote an entirely new section on ink trapping, which provides an extensive treatise on the various approaches to quantifying apparent ink trap based on industry and university testing.

Methodology Matters!

The Communications & Implementation section is relevant to all participants in the flexographic process. It is the one section of FIRST everyone should read start to finish. This section focuses around the FIRST Methodology which is summarized by the steps of optimization, fingerprinting, process control, characterization and process improvement.

These are the steps outlined in the Committee for Graphic Arts Technology Standards (CGATS) TR 012, which went through a major rewrite in 2020. That rewrite was largely driven by how it is used in FIRST. Consequently, updates to the Communications & Implementation section reflect the updates to CGATS TR 012 (2020).

Design Fundamentals

The Design section has undergone a complete rewrite. Through the work of Michael McGinnis of RR Donnelley GO Creative, Eric Ferguson of Digimarc and their expert contributors, the new Design section will add value for both established and new readers. Fundamentals and core tenets remain in place while many terms, references, applications, images and concepts have been updated to address how technology, brand strategies, design concerns and the design process fit into today’s packaging supply chain.

The Design section can be downloaded and shared with our design partners. Accordingly, the Design section is an ambassador of the FTA and the entire flexographic print industry. This update positions FIRST 7.0 well to continue excelling in that role.

The Prepress section has seen major revisions in Chapter 15 Color Proofs and Chapter 17 Printing Plates. Color Proofs has been completely written by Roy Bohnen. There is a detailed description of spectrophotometer measuring modes, a whole new section on Proofing for Expanded Gamut and so much more.

You will have to read it to truly appreciate all the changes. The same can be said concerning the updated chapter on Printing Plates. While not going into detail on everything that has been added, it is noteworthy to mention that the former chapter 17.8 Molded Rubber Plates has been removed. It was the consensus of all involved that molded rubber is seldom used and no longer warrants inclusion based on the current industry conditions.

FTA is above all else an organization for flexographic printers. The outcome of this is the Print section has received the most attention over the years and is the one section that required the least amount of editing. Still, there are updates to the plate and metering sections. Much of what has changed in Print has moved into the new Measurement & Verification section.

Required References

While most readers of FIRST will focus on the principle sections of the book—Communications & Implementation, Design, Prepress, Press and, now, Measurement & Verification—we cannot forget the appendices.

  • Appendix B provides abstracts and important highlights to more than 120 different standards and specifications referenced in FIRST. It is an incredible reference source for anyone wanting quick information on these standards and specifications
  • If you want still more information, Appendix A tells you how to reach the various organizations behind each of these documents. These documents are constantly changing and being revised. Since the release of FIRST 6.0, more than half have been updated and revised. It is through the conscientious work of the standards committee and FQC that we manage to keep current with all the changes and reflect them in FIRST 7.0
  • As this is a living document, there are topics currently in discussion and testing. These topics have not found a home in any particular section, but probably will in future releases of FIRST. Until that time, these topics reside in the appendices. Two in particular require some mention: The Optimal Method for determining tone reproduction may in the future be the preferred method, however, at least at this time it is mentioned as an appendix. Secondly, FQC completed a study in January 2021 (Opacity Measurement Test Method & Instrumentation) with some very important conclusions. How this information will be applied is still being evaluated. So, it also resides as an appendix until a future edition of FIRST, where it can be simplified, condensed and the application specifics described in detail

FIRST 7.0 is the next step in the continuous desire to achieve perfection in print productivity and quality. Tools, procedures, practices, standards and specifications are all intended to assist in defining, measuring, analyzing, improving and controlling your production process. Take that next step with confidence and determination.

FIRST is the product of the members of the flexographic community. The FIRST Leadership Team relies on your input. You can participate by volunteering to become a member of one of the subcommittees or simply by sending us comments. Go to flexography.org/first for more information.

Editor’s Note: Throughout this article, we have made reference to individuals who have made contributions to FIRST 7.0. However, there are far more contributors than can be mentioned here. Below is a list of FIRST Committee members contributing to publication of FIRST 7.0:

Mark Mazur, chair; Robb Frimming, FTA president and former co-chair; Joe Tuccitto, FTA; Michael McGinnis, RR Donnelley; Eric Ferguson, Digimarc; PJ Fronczkiewicz, DuPont Cyrel Solutions; John Gleich, We Are Alexander; Mike Huey, Miraclon; Bart Wright, Pacificolor; Dina Vees, California Polytechnic State University; Jean Jackson; and Katie Dubois, FTA. A more complete list can be found in the introduction of FIRST 7.0.